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–+ servings

Perfectly Grilled Barbecue Chicken

This barbecue chicken recipe features a blend of smoky, sweet, and tangy flavors, perfect for any gathering or family dinner.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Brining and Marinating Time 6 hours
Total Time 6 hours 45 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings
Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

  • Grill
  • Smoker box or aluminum foil
  • Meat Thermometer
  • Wire rack
  • Baking Sheet
  • Basting Brush

Ingredients
  

Chicken

  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken drumsticks

Dry Brine

  • ¼ cup kosher salt

Marinade

  • ¼ cup brown sugar
  • ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tbsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 1 cup barbecue sauce store-bought or homemade

Optional

  • 1 cup applewood or hickory wood chips for smoking

Instructions
 

  • Rub the chicken pieces with kosher salt, covering all sides. Place the chicken on a wire rack over a baking sheet and refrigerate, uncovered, for 2-4 hours.
  • In a medium bowl, combine brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Mix well.
  • Rinse the chicken under cold water and pat dry. Place the chicken in a large resealable bag or a shallow dish and pour the marinade over the chicken. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.
  • Set up your grill for indirect cooking with one side at medium-high heat and the other side at low heat. If using, add the wood chips to the smoker box or directly onto the coals.
  • Remove the chicken from the marinade and pat it dry. Place the chicken on the low-heat side of the grill, skin side up. Close the lid and cook for 20-25 minutes.
  • Baste the chicken with barbecue sauce and move it to the high-heat side of the grill. Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, flipping once and basting again, until the sauce is caramelized and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  • Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy with additional barbecue sauce on the side if desired.

Notes

For added flavor, consider adding a few sprigs of fresh thyme or rosemary to the marinade. A meat thermometer is recommended to ensure the chicken is cooked to the proper temperature.

Nutrition

Calories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 18gProtein: 28gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 1200mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 1gSugar: 12gVitamin A: 800IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 2mg
Keyword Barbecue Chicken
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